The walkout by Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) members is happening because of concerns to Sunday working hours, guards on trains and rotas.

But the government has today accused the union of causing ‘misery’ for passengers, many of whom would otherwise plan to use Waterloo to get to and from London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks.

South Western Railway services to and from Waterloo may be delayed or cancelled (Picture: PA)

The government has slammed the RMT for causing ‘misery’ to rail passengers (Picture: PA)

‘It is disgraceful that the RMT is seeking to cause misery to paying customers trying to get home to family and friends for the new year.

‘Rail companies are working hard to keep passengers moving, and plan to run the majority of services, but we call on the RMT to show some decency and call off these strikes,’ said Paul Maynard, Rail minister.

South Western Railway, which uses Waterloo to start and end long-distance services to cities in southern England, has warned passengers to check its website before travelling.

Commuters at Waterloo have been warned about the likely disruption (Picture: Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)

Andy Mellors, managing director of South Western Railway, said: ‘We will do everything we can to keep our passengers moving during this unnecessary strike but passengers are warned to check before travelling and be prepared for queues if travelling back from the New Year’s Eve fireworks.’

CrossCountry is planning to run a reduced service between Newcastle and Edinburgh. There will not be a service between Glasgow and Aberdeen.

All other CrossCountry lines are expected to be affected.

The RMT union is planning more strikes in January on South Western, Southern, Merseyrail, Greater Anglia and Arriva Rail North.

CrossCountry is planning to run a reduced service between Newcastle and Edinburgh (Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

‘It’s the continuing failure of the train companies and their political puppet masters in government to make any attempt whatsoever to resolve the range of separate disputes over rail safety that has led us to call this further action.

‘The responsibility for the disruption that will be caused lays fairly and squarely at their door,’ said RMT general secretary Mick Cash.